Fix Things

by Seven


Disclaimer:  Earth: Final Conflict and its characters are copyrighted by Tribune Entertainment Company.  All rights reserved.



Note from Author:  During Crackdown .



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"You blame the Taelons, when you cannot even control your own people."

The words rang mockingly in Liam's ears as he stalked out into the street, drowning out the noise and brightness of the outdoors. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as he remembered the words.

Not spoken harshly, or cruelly. More of an appeal against what Da'an clearly saw as injustice against his own people.

Liam had not allowed the Taelon to see how much the words had hit a nerve. Not allowed him to see the doubts and repressed shame brought into light by those words.

Ever since he had heard of Lili's death, the doubts had haunted him like a mocking specter, whispering self-doubts into his ears. Had he killed her? Had some decision he had made, some delay he had caused, condemned Lili and so many others to die?

****

The green grass in the park smelled fresh and sweet as he flopped down on it on his back, arms spread, eyes fixed on the sky. A dandelion bobbed a few inches away, sending a gentle spray of gray-fluffed seeds across his hand.

Does he have any idea how much that hurt?

Probably not. And maybe it's my fault. Was it my fault?

The Resistance didn't do that to Thompson, it had to be Zo'or. That slimy... and now Doors has vanished. We're losing people by the minute... no, I don't have control. I couldn't control the Resistance members at that presidential debate, I couldn't control the situation. I still can't.

I should never have accepted this job. I should have had Lili or Hayley lead the Resistance. Would things be different? Would they be better? Or worse? And would I still feel so responsible if they had done something terrible?

Liam slowly rolled over, resting his hands on the dirt, slowly sifting the long green grass through his fingers, smelling the odor of newly-cut plants.

He sighed, and got to his feet, brushing a few streaks of dirt from his pants.

Well then... nothing left to do but try to fix things.